What would you recommend for getting prepared? Both myself and my horse? (Oh, and he'll love her- an Arabx Pinto XD)

What skills does my horse (and I ) need to know beforehand to get the most?

My horse is reliable, knows the basics, but I would still consider her green (though I have plenty of time to work on things). She doesn't give her front end to any real extent, and doesn't side pass worth a crap- both of these things I think can be accomplished in the time frame. She rides on a loose rein, but at this point doesn't neck rein (better on one side than the other, but by no means consistent) Is that expected? What else?

What did you get out of it?

... I'm am not throughly familiar with all of his work (didn't know who he was till about a year ago when I was given tickets to his tour).

His "method" seems to be synced with my own "ways" and philosophies I had developed over the years with various experiences (though I will say he is much more efficient, and when I apply the differences I have learned, it does make a difference) and that's what impressed me initially over other big-time trainers (I by no means think he is heaven sent, but he makes sense and has had years to perfect what he does, I have not).

Obviously, I have to get the "fundamentals" package and get the gear he requires (I like my own halter and stick, thank you very much, but considering that I have the opportunity to do this experience for free, I can't complain too much about the investment, though I am, indeed, very broke, and not in the horse sense).

Any input would be helpful, as I really don't know what to expect, and I don't want to go in like a complete idiot and get nothing out of it because I'm not prepared.

All the reviews and such I've read seem to be from people who worship the ground he pees on, so... I would rather have some less biased opinions :)

While I haven't attended any of his trainings or events, I know that having certain equipment like the halter, lead and stick/string is a part of the general requirements for everyone. I think some of this is due to the fact that at the clinics he or his people may indeed work with your horse hands on.
If you don't want to purchase his fundamentals set, you could join his No Worries Club.
You can join month by month I think, or get a discount code from Horse Illustrated magazine for a hefty chunk off the membership and a savings coupon for supplies. In addition members pay less for things and there are often sales for members.

On the club site you can watch or download anything you will need to watch or know to prepare you for the clinic. The video library is very comprehensive and if money is tight, you may try this approach instead.

I count myself neutral here as I do not put him above any other good trainer out there and I certainly think he has flaws.
But, if given the opportunity to attend a clinic like you have been given, I personally would go. The above is merely ideas to help save you some money.

Jealous here! So wish I could attend one of his clinics. From what I've read on his site and on the No Worries Club site, it's recommended that you're at least familiar with the fundamentals even if you don't have the kit. He does REQUIRE you to have HIS stuff for the clinics. If you can't afford the fundamentals or don't want to spend that much, join the No Worries Club for $20/month and you can gain access to most of the information there. You can also go to www.giddyupflix.com and rent the DVDs there. The only downfall is you don't get the arenamates.

I would LOVE to go to CA's clinics or tours or even his ranch!!! I am so jealous. I hope you have fun! (btw, I have been trying to save up enough money to get some of his fundementals, but I live in Canada, so I cannot attend a clinic)

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